Three Dead Suspected in Hantavirus Outbreak on Atlantic Cruise Ship

Six Passengers on Cruise Ship Fall Ill with Suspected Rodent-Transmitted Virus

A cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has reported an outbreak of a suspected rodent-transmitted virus, resulting in three fatalities and one passenger in intensive care. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that one case had been identified and at least five other passengers were suspected to be infected.

According to WHO, six individuals on board the MV Hondius have fallen ill with symptoms consistent with hantavirus, a rare disease transmitted through contact with rodent droppings or urine. Three of those affected have died, while one remains in intensive care in South Africa.

The South African National Department of Health had previously reported an outbreak of severe acute respiratory illness, which had claimed at least two lives and was currently treating a third patient in intensive care. The patient being treated has tested positive for hantavirus.

Initial reports indicate that the first passenger to develop symptoms was a 70-year-old male who passed away on the ship. His wife, also 69 years old, fell ill and was subsequently evacuated to South Africa, where she died in a hospital. Authorities have not confirmed the nationalities of the deceased individuals.

WHO is conducting further investigations, including laboratory testing and epidemiological studies, to determine the cause of the outbreak. The organization is also facilitating coordination between countries to evacuate additional passengers showing symptoms of the infection.

Source: Al Jazeera